One of the biggest misconceptions about plant-based recipes is that they are bland and boring. If you’ve ever thought that plant-based recipes are bland and boring, you’re not alone. I used to believe that, too…until I decided to go plant-based for an entire month. I quickly realized this is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the plant-based world. In fact, I’d say that oftentimes, plant-based food can be more flavorful because of the rich flavors of the ingredients. Our Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash is the perfect example of that.
Sweet, rich acorn squash, brimming with the taste of the Mediterranean (think: garlic, olives, sun-dried tomatoes) is seasoned to perfection and roasted, enabling each ingredient to present its unique flavor in this plant-based masterpiece. Its ingredients offer complementary textures, elevating your culinary experience. It’s one of my favorite recipes to serve when we have guests because it is not only scrumptious, it truly presents beautifully. And, it’s compliant with Whole 30 standards, which means its nutrition is on point.
I also love serving our plant-based Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash to people we love because it is so easy to prepare. All I have to do is take it out of my freezer a couple of hours before dinner and place it in the oven. I don’t have to scramble to set the table, clean up, prepare dinner, and make myself presentable all at the same time, because I already put the prep work in. Instead, I reap the benefits of a make-ahead freezer meal because it gives me back time. It truly checks all the boxes. Come see for yourself!
Why You’ll Love this Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Acorn squash is packed with so many vitamins and minerals, making it a no-brainer option for family health.
- Minimal Clean-up: Because it is prepared and served in the squash itself, this recipe makes clean-up a breeze.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal steps to prepare it, this recipe is a great make-ahead freezer meal recipe.
- Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is easy to prepare for a large crowd!
- 1 9×13 freezer-friendly baking dish with lid (or aluminum foil to cover)
- 1 Medium bowl
- 2 Large Acorn squash Halved and seeds removed
- 2 cups Cauliflower rice frozen
- 1 1/2 cups Onion Frozen diced
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Label 9×13 Pan/Dish with recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (today's date plus three months)
- Drizzle acorn squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir together remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Add ¼ of the mixture into each acorn squash half. Treating the acorn squash like a bowl.
- Cover and freeze for up to three months.
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Remove Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash from the freezer and place in a preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 35-40 minutes.
- Remove from over allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Equipment Needed To make Vegan Acorn Squash Recipe
- 9×13 freezer-friendly baking dish, with lid (or aluminum foil to cover)
- Medium bowl
Ingredients for your Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash
- 2 Large Acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 cups Cauliflower rice, frozen
- 1 1/2 cups Onion, frozen diced
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
How To Make a Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash Plant-Based Whole 30
Prep/freezer directions:
- Label 9×13 Pan/Dish with recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months)
- Drizzle acorn squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir together remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Add ¼ of the mixture into each acorn squash half. Treating the acorn squash like a bowl.
- Cover and freeze for up to three months.
Oven Cooking directions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Remove Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash from the freezer and place in a preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 35-40 minutes.
- Remove from over allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What to Pair with your Whole30 Stuffed Acorn Squash Freezer Meal
Sides:
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
- Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
- Sweet Roasted Carrots
Desserts:
- Baked Cinnamon Apples
- Nut Butter Dates
- Fresh Berry Salad with Mint
Mocktails:
- Cucumber Lime Sparkler
- Whole30 Watermelon Refresher
- Ginger Lemonade
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Capers: In lieu of green olives, you can use capers in this recipe. They offer a different tangy flavor than olives, bringing a briny flavor to your dish.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Instead of the sun-dried tomatoes, use chopped roasted red peppers to add a sweeter, smokier flavor.
Additions:
- Chickpeas: For an extra boost of protein and flavor, add chickpeas to the stuffing mixture. They’re hearty and absorb the flavors of the dish really well.
- Pine Nuts: Pine nuts offer a subtle crunch and nuttiness, adding both texture and flavor to this recipe. If you’d like, you can toast them lightly before mixing them into the stuffing to enhance their flavor further.
With these additions and substitutions, you can be sure that this meal will still maintain its freezer friendliness when it comes to prepping for a freezer meal.
How to Reheat and Store Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash
Best way to Store Leftover Vegan Mediterranean Acorn Squash Freezer Recipe?
While we predict you won’t have any leftovers because it is that delicious, the best way to store any leftovers is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to allow your leftovers to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
How long will Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash – Plant Based Whole 30 Recipe Last in the fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days.
Can I freeze leftover Healthy Plant – Based Acorn Squash recipe?
Our recipe is a make-ahead freezer meal, meaning it is frozen before cooking, so we do not recommend freezing leftovers. You are welcome to freeze them, but the texture and flavor of the recipe will diminish on the second-go-around. For optimal flavor and texture, consume any leftovers within the recommended time frame.
How to Reheat Whole 30 Mediterranean Vegan Acorn Squash?
This recipe is best reheated in the oven or in the microwave. We don’t recommend reheating on the stove unless the pan is covered, in order to retain moisture.
Whole30 approved Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe FAQs
Other Healthy Plant-Based recipes You’ll love
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